BREAKING! Tim DeChristopher Indicted! Trial Ahead
POST: BREAKING! Tim DeChristopher Indicted! Trial Ahead
POST: BREAKING! Tim DeChristopher Indicted! Trial Ahead
US Attorney Brett Tolman (Utah) has leveled formal charges. Read Tim's response.
This will be a political show trial at taxpayer expense.
Please join www.bidder70.org to support Tim's brave action. If you are a DKOS diarist, please go there and recommend this post.
A grand jury indicted Tim DeChristopher this afternoon. He's charged with two counts of violating the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Act.
Utah Now (full story): He's the 27-year-old college student and environmental activist who disrupted a public land auction last month by bidding up several parcels intended for oil and gas development. Join us as we take a closer look at what some are calling a case of modern-day monkey wrenching.
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Comments
Posted by Jen Rivera on April 7, 2009 7:26 am
Much respect, thanks for your efforts for mother earth!
But it must be pointed out that there is a long history of non-cooperation with certain entities that might seek to interview you, and people often suggest not saying anything at all that could be used against you, and to always have a lawyer present. That is an important lesson from all of this. This is a movement not about individuals. You are brave, and brave enough I am confident to learn and grow and be open to hearing this, and I hope, propagating the same mindfulness. I.E. DONT SNITCH ON YOURSELF!
Posted by Tim DeChristopher on April 9, 2009 3:20 pm
Jen,
I appreciate your comments, but I think my case shows a very different lesson. If I hadn't spoken out, my act would have been irrelevant. The only effect on results and on other people came because of my willingness to speak out and explain myself. Refusing to speak is a strategy for avoiding prison, but it is not a strategy for creating change. Your comment points to the difference between our last few decades of direct action and our heritage of civil disobedience. The history of non-cooperation covers monkey-wrenching and modern direct action, but most of our history of civil disobedience included people speaking out honestly. As Martin Luther King said, "One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty." My primary goal was not to stay out of prison, it was to stand in the way of injustice and destruction. I agree that the movement is not about individuals, which is why one person going to prison is a worthwhile sacrifice to expose the truth.
Posted by Meg Ivory on November 16, 2009 5:29 pm
Hi Tim,
I have just come across this blog and the record of your action through Mother Jones. I wanted to take the time to thank you for your courage and bravery and let you know there are many standing with you. I myself take non violent direct action and have been lucky enough to find activism at a very young age, however as an Australian, it is I believe an easier path for me. Australians do not face the same penalties or repercussions. Our legal system is reluctant to hand out jail time for activism and our processes, I count myself lucky for this.
I hope your trial is treated well, and your defence is accepted, as it should be.
I salute your actions, your courage and your determination. Many stand beside you, and I hope you can take strength form allies all over the world who are taking action for a green and peaceful future.
Together we can change the world.
Light and Peace.
Megs